The Most Effective Hormone Replacement Therapies
Growth hormone deficiency (GHD) is a recognized clinical condition by the medical establishment. GHD in adults most commonly persists from an untreated or ineffectively treated growth hormone deficiency in childhood. However, it can also develop in adulthood without any previous history of GHD.
Either way, the guidelines for adults with growth hormone deficiency suggest that unless it is well-established through the patient’s medical history that there is a known genetic disorder or damage, injury, or cancer to the pituitary gland, that has existed since childhood, a diagnosis of GHD needs to be confirmed through specific stimulation testing.
Growth hormone deficiency in adults can cause a number of health issues. According to the clinical guidelines for GHD, the chief complaint is an alteration of “body composition,” as the patient with GHD will present with increased fat mass and decreased muscle mass. Further, the ability to exercise effectively is reduced, cholesterol levels may be increased, as is the risk of a cardiovascular incident, such as heart attack or stroke. Other signs and symptoms listed in the guidelines for adults with GHD include:
The treatment recommended in all guidelines for adults with growth hormone deficiency is human growth hormone (HGH) replacement therapy. The guidelines suggest that HGH therapy improves the quality of life of adults with GHD by:
Most guidelines for administering growth hormone therapy for adults, state that the risks of dangerous side effects associated with HGH replacement are low. Guidelines also state that growth hormone therapy dosages should be tailored to an individual’s needs and lifestyle.
While there are guidelines set forth for treating adults with GHD, any final decision to prescribe growth hormone therapy should be made with careful evaluation of, and discussions with the specific patient.
Growth hormone deficiency in adults can cause a number of health issues. According to the clinical guidelines for GHD, the chief complaint is an alteration of “body composition,” as the patient with GHD will present with increased fat mass and decreased muscle mass.
Endocrinology is the medical specialty that most often treats adults with GHD. Endocrinologists specialize in glands and hormonal conditions and hormone imbalances caused by improperly functioning glands of the endocrine system. The American Society of Endocrinologists lists the following Guidelines for growth hormone deficiency in adults:
Dosages for growth hormone therapy are not based on height or weight standards, and should be prescribed per individual needs. Patients should be started at the lowest effective dose, and regimens should be titrated (increased) based on response.
In addition to the growth hormone deficiency guidelines listed above, there are specific guidelines for the treatment of growth hormone deficiency in adults.
Treatment guidelines for adults with GHD suggest that growth hormone therapy offers adults with GHD significant benefits. In addition, the treatment guidelines for adults with growth hormone deficiency suggest:
In conclusion, all the guidelines for the diagnosis and treatment of adult onset growth hormone deficiency all agree that, when the guidelines are followed, growth hormone therapy is a safe and effective treatment for adults with GHD. In addition the guidelines for adults with GHD conclude:
Remember, that the very definition of guidelines in medicine is to offer your doctor a set of suggestions based on evidence and best practices. Therefore, the decision to prescribe growth hormone therapy should only be made in part, based on these guidelines. Ultimately, the determination of whether you will benefit from growth hormone therapy, should only be made after careful consideration of your individual symptoms, needs and lifestyle.
The guidelines for the diagnosis and treatment of adult onset growth hormone deficiency all agree that growth hormone therapy is a safe and effective treatment for adults with GHD.
